Play Jazz! workshop – rhythm changes

Saturday 3 June 2017, 2-6pm at Sage Gateshead

On the first Saturday of each month (except January and August) we run four-hour workshops in association with Sage Gateshead. Each one is different, and is usually facilitated by a different tutor.

The theme this time is Rhythm Changes and the lead tutor is jazz guitarist Bradley Johnston. ‘Rhythm Changes’ refers to the chord progression used in George Gershwin’s ‘I Got Rhythm’. This progression, and variations of it, is the second most common chord progression in jazz (the first is 12 bar blues). It is used in many jazz standards including Anthropology, Cotton Tail, Lester Leaps In, Oleo, Rhythm-A-Ning and also in Meet the Flintstones. Improvising fluently over Rhythm Changes is an essential skill for any jazz musician.

The Play Jazz! workshops are intended to appeal to a wide range of musicians including those who

play other styles of music but are new to jazz

play written music but want to learn to improvise

have not played for a while and want to refresh their skills

want to meet and play with other jazz musicians.

You will work in a small group led by an experienced jazz musician. You’ll learn a bit of theory but mostly it will be practical – lots of listening and playing. You’ll have the opportunity to improvise and interact with other musicians in an informal supportive situation.

Suitable for all instruments and improvising vocalists. Minimum age 16.

Each four-hour workshop costs £20 (or £18 for Jazz.Coop members). Ticket sales are handled by the Sage and there’s a £1.50 booking fee for online and telephone sales (but not if you pay cash at the ticket office).